Thinking of quitting too

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Home : 2001 : November : 30

Thinking of quitting too
By Reggie

This is my third year. I am beginning to think about going on through grad school to teach college -- teachers later on. (It will take me years to get those advanced degrees.)

I love my class, they are angels! The pressure
to teach to the TEST is inhibiting the creative and innovative side of me. We actually have to "list" every test objective with every lesson plan we turn in.
I mean, we use those test practice ditto's that come with the textbooks. Now, we have to label and chart what areas we are covering.
I can do so many fun and interesting explorations, etc. However, if I do, I may not get my

10 objectives met for that week! I feel as if I have to meet a quota! And all my objectives for the year have to be met before the test this spring!

The thing I love about teaching is setting and meeting goals. However, I am often constrained to do "Sharon's Math Program" because Sharon scored so high in math the past three years. Sharon's program is drill with worksheets -- that is NOT why I got into teaching.

I am not in a Title I school, I have NO instructional aid, No team planning period -- only 5 minutes or so at lunch or in the hall. I am a perfectionist -- with the goals I set for myself, and I feel that I am just not cutting the mustard.

Then, I am beginning to wonder, If I were to apply for a job at another school, would I have to reveal my class scores. Is that a question that is asked? My school is so test paranoid -- now I am.